Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The irritation or compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow tunnel made up of the carpal bones on the bottom and the ligaments, muscles and tendons on the top. Running through the tunnel are nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. The irritation or compression of the median nerve can result in pain, weakness, and/or numbness in the hand and wrist, and may radiate up into the forearm.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) typically occurs in adults, with women 3 times more likely to develop it than men. The dominant hand is usually affected first, and the pain is typically severe. Carpal tunnel is especially common in assembly-line workers in manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, meatpacking, and similar industries.

What Are The Symptoms?

Burning, tingling, itching, and/or numbness in the palm of the hand, thumb, index and middle fingers are most common. Fingers feeling useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance. These nightime symptoms are often the first to appear due to wrist position while sleeping. As symptoms worsen, tingling may be felt during the day, as well as weakened grip strength and wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb.

Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develop?

Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, making it easier to affect themedian nerve. Other possible causes may be: injury to the wrist that causes swelling, over-activity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, poor work ergonomics, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A standard physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can help determine if your symptoms are related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or due to other underlying issues that may present with similar symptoms. History of any injuries to the above areas and work history also aid in diagnosis.

Diagnostic imaging (x-ray & MRI) and laboratory testing can help reveal diabetes, arthritis, fractures, and other common causes of wrist and hand pain. Sometimes electrodiagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing, are used to help confirm the diagnosis. With these tests, small electrodes, placed on your skin, measure the speed at which electrical impulses travel across your wrist.

What is the treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Conservative treatment, is the recommend first course of action for most non-emergency injuries or pain and should be the first form of treatment for Carpal Tunnel syndrome as well. Chiropractic, massage and acupuncture are a few common conservative options in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Chiropractors will often adjust the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, use modalities such as ultrasound and electric stimulation, and provide stretches and exercises along with proper wrist supports. Massage therapy includes soft tissue work of the muscles, tendons and nerves in the wrist, forearm, and upper back and neck. Occasionally, patients whose symptoms fail to respond to conservative care may require surgery.

 

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Be Prevented?

On-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises, frequent rest breaks, splints to keep wrists straight, fingerless gloves to keep hands warm and flexible, correct posture and wrist positioning are some actions that can be taken to help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

 

If you have any questions please call us at (970)-663-6501 or email Dr. Friedline.